The Cry! & Billy Jeans' Mixtape

In the years since their tragic exit, Portland has seen it's share bands pay homage to the Exploding Hearts' plucky mess of punky glam pop. Most can be discerned by hair cuts alone—long on the sides, bangs cropped caveman short.

The Cry! are no exception, but their Hearts-inspired "Modern Cinderella" is an exceptional tune, an unshakeable mix of hooks and tongue-in-cheek self-depreciation. Can't help but smile when, after love (or lust) goes sour and the overlooked protagonist is "headed home on the bus."

LISTEN:The Cry! - "Modern Cinderella"

Check out more at The Cry!'s Bandcamp. The group is in the midst of a national tour. They return to Portland on June 23 to play the Kenton Club. More info at their website.

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I found The Cry! on a mixtape compiled earlier this year by the Mean Jeans' Billy Jeans. As he explains:

Sup? Here’s a mix of my favorite bands that Mean Jeans have toured or played with in the past year or two. Some total punk, some pop, some local Portland bands, whatever; all of these songs rule and they are all bands that are playing and touring now. Hopefully there’s some stuff you’ve never heard, get their records! - Billy Jeans